System and method for handling sessions of specific type in communication networks

Abstract

The invention provides a method and system for handling a session setup procedure initiated by an user equipment for establishing a session of a specific type to a called entity, wherein a session setup request sent to a network entity for establishing the requested session, includes location information and an identifier for identifying the called entity. A database is provided which stores a list of location information and associated identifiers. The network entity accesses this database, wherein, when detecting that the identifier represents a session of the specific type in an area represented by the location information, the session set-up is continued in a manner appropriate for a session of the specific type.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for handling sessions, or requests for sessions, of a specific type such as emergency sessions. [0002] Generally, one or several numbers defining one or more specific services, e.g. emergency service, may be stored in a user equipment, e.g. in SIM / USIM (Subscriber Identity Module / User Service Identity Module) of a mobile terminal (mobile equipment ME). When a SIM / USIM is present, subscriber specific emergency call set-up MMI (Man Machine Interface) is normally provided for establishing emergency session in case of need. An Home Environment operator specifies preferred emergency call MMI(s) (e.g. 911 for US citizens or 110, 118 and 119 for Japanese citizens). This information can be stored in the SIM / USIM. When entering digits for establishing a session, the ME compares the entered digits with the stored information and sets up a specific connection, e.g. an emergency call when detecting...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a method and system for processing session setup procedures initiated by user equipment for establishing specific types of sessions, such as emergency sessions. The system uses location information in session setup requests to identify the type of session being initiated. This allows for quick and easy checking without needing to generate messages to other network entities. The location information can be obtained from a database stored in the network entity or another network entity. The system can also control the user equipment based on the location information, e.g. for charging purposes. Overall, the invention solves the problem of a user equipment not detecting that a requested session is of a specific type and the network not supporting emergency services. The user equipment inserts location information into session setup requests, and the network element uses this information to detect the type of session being initiated.

Problems solved by technology

However, there may exist cases where the user equipment or a network element, e.g. P-CSCF, involved in handling a requested session is unable to detect that the session is of a specific type requesting specific treatment, such as an emergency session.

E.g. when the dialed number is a service number in one country and an emergency number in another country, the above failure of not detecting a requested specific connection type requiring specific handling may arise.

This would lead to a case where a user dials an emergency number and the UE is not able to detect, due to overlapping numbers, an emergency call attempt.

When the intermediate network or another involved network such as the user's home network also does not support, or does not detect, the desired specific service type, e.g. emergency services, the session attempt is incorrectly processed.

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